"We have a pretty good group," said coach Matt Weise, who is in his seventh season. "They really keep their heads about them when things go both right and wrong."

Lakanen has been rowing since her freshman year at FHN, while Geelhoed started rowing this past September after swimming competitively in high school. Junior Alex Reinink (Forest Hills Northern) joins Lakanen and Geelhoed as the only representatives from the area on the varsity roster.

"Rowing is the ultimate team sport," Geelhoed said. "You need to be in tune with everyone in the boat. I’m still doing my best to learn every day."

While making important contributions to their respective boats, the Grand Rapids natives also credit the eight seniors on the MSU roster with making sure their time is not wasted.

"We all put in the amount of hard work that we need," Lakanen said. "We have a lot of dedication, and having seniors within your boat really helps."

Weise has noticed the difference the seniors make for him and his staff.

"All of our seniors bring something different," he said. "It’s really nice to be able to go to them and pick and choose what we need to help the team."

A championship would be the first NCAA title in program history, and Geelhoed said she knows they need to work together to make that happen.

"You put your personal goals behind you and just feed off everyone around you so you can do the best for the team."

SENIORS Melissa Oosterhouse and Monica Bressler of the Calvin College women’s tennis program were named first-team academic all-district IV this week by the College Sports Information Director’s Association of American. Oostherhouse and Bressler now are eligible for academic All-America consideration which will be voted on next month.

GERRY ADAMS announced his resignation as Aquinas women’s tennis coach this week citing personal business interests and family responsibilities. Adams parts ways with the Saints after leading the program for nine seasons.